Idling your car in winter not worth your time or gas, driving educator says

Idling your vehicle during the winter isn't worth your time or gas,says an expert with the Alberta Motor Association.

"It's a myth with modern vehicles," driving educatorRon Wilson toldthe Calgary Eyeopener on Wednesday.

"Start the vehicle up, let it idle 30 seconds to a minute and you're on the way."

Any fuel-injected vehicle the majority of vehicles made from 1980 onward circulates the oils toget the components ready, "and then yougo," Wilson said.

Why idling isn't actually worth your time or gas, according to experts

7 years ago

Duration 0:42

Experts say idling for long periods doesn't necessarily help modern cars warm up.

That goes for modern diesel-fueledvehicles, too.

"A better thing to do in this cold weather when it's 15 C or lower is actually plug in your vehicle," he said. "That way, your vehicle will start easier and it'll be nice and warm when you drive away."

Stolen vehicles

Idling your car unattended say, when you're getting ready for work can be dangerous, too, police warn.

AirdrieRCMP reportthat, of the 29 complaints of stolen vehicles received since the beginning ofOctober, at least a quarter were vehicles leftrunning and warming up with the keys inside.

Reducing your idling time also reduces carbon emissions that are harmful to the environment.

With files from Kathryn Marlow and the Calgary Eyeopener